BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) presented its two most prestigious awards – Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year – at a ceremony held during the MnCUN 2015 Annual Meeting & Convention on April 11. These awards are given to individuals who have demonstrated excellence and leadership, and who also embody the credit union mission. This year’s ceremony was hosted by Paul Allen, the “Voice of the Minnesota Vikings.”

The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to a credit union volunteer who best represents the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union movement. Recipients are chosen based on their involvement with credit unions at the local and state levels, along with participation in activities that better their communities. The 2015 honoree is Paula Erdmann of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.

Erdmann has served on St. Cloud Federal’s board for nearly a decade. During her time on the board, Erdmann’s actions and involvement have helped grow the credit union’s membership base from 10,000 to over 15,000, or nearly 50 percent. During that same time period assets grew nearly 60 percent from just over $70 million to nearly $112 million. Also a strong believer in giving back to the community, Erdmann volunteers with many local organizations, including St. Cloud Area Legal Services, the United Way, Stearns County Family Service Collaborative and Tri-Cap, a nonprofit agency that provides a wide range of services to assist low-income people with opportunities that help them be more successful in their lives.

“Paula has been a pillar of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union’s success during the years she’s served as a volunteer,” said St. Cloud Federal Credit Union CEO Jed Meyer. “She fights for what she believes in and is passionate about doing what’s right for our members and our community.”

The 2015 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award is given to a remarkable person who truly stands behind the “people helping people” credit union philosophy. This year’s honoree is Dan Stoltz, President/CEO of SPIRE Credit Union.

“One of Dan’s core beliefs is to give back – to our members and to our community,” said Tom Heinzen, Chair of SPIRE Credit Union’s Board of Directors. “His leadership keeps the focus on SPIRE’s core purpose of improving members’ lives.”

Stoltz joined SPIRE in 1999 as the CFO, when it was known as Twin Cities Co-op Credit Union, and became President/CEO in 2009. His credit union industry service also includes serving as Secretary/Treasurer for the MnCUN Board of Directors and on the Board for Alloya Corporate Credit Union. Stoltz believes strongly in giving back, not only in his professional role at SPIRE, but on a personal level, as well. Within the community, Stoltz serves on the Presbyterian Homes’ Board of Directors, as the Vice-Chair for the University of Northwestern’s Board of Directors, and on the Board for the Keep on Pushing Foundation. Most recently, he was named King Boreas Rex LXXIX at the 2015 St. Paul Winter Carnival. As part of the celebration of Stoltz’s Professional of the Year award, the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Royal Family made a special appearance at the event.

“The Minnesota Credit Union Network is pleased to honor Paula and Dan for their tremendous contributions to their credit unions and the credit union movement,” said Mark Cummins, MnCUN President & CEO. “Their dedication is inspiring, and the Network is proud to have people like them working on behalf of all credit unions. I congratulate them on receiving these well-deserved awards.”

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The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. With nearly $20 billion in assets, Minnesota credit unions are local, trusted financial cooperatives that serve more than 1.6 million members at 400+ branch locations around the state. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions give back to the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.mncun.org.